How to Create a Slow Morning Routine
One of the best parts of being away from home, whether on vacation or staying with family, is the unexpected opportunity to shift out of your usual patterns. Recently, during a trip to my parents’ house, I stumbled into a slower morning rhythm that felt like a deep exhale. I was jet-lagged, off work, and free to move at my own pace. What emerged was a morning routine that felt restorative and grounding.
And the best part? I figured out how to bring that same calm into my regular, real-life mornings. Here’s what that looked like and some ideas on how you can build your own slow start to the day.
What My Slow Morning Routine Looked Like
A few gentle stretches in bed to wake up my body
Brushing my teeth and then returning to bed with a book
Reading a few pages from two or three books (yes, I always have a few going at once)
Journaling whatever came to mind
Drinking a glass of water, then a green juice
Writing on my laptop for an hour which allowed be to be creative, focused and most importantly undistracted
It wasn’t rigid or scheduled down to the minute. It simply flowed and gave me time to ease into the day instead of launching straight into productivity mode. While it is true that I wanted to ensure these tasks were a part of my day, what they share for me is that they nourish me personally. I wasn’t writing or journaling or reading to get ahead of anything or anyone, these are simply outlets for my own expression and creativity. To me it’s a simple but big difference of intention.
Can a Slow Morning Routine Work in Real Life?
Back home, I wondered if I could make this slower rhythm part of my normal routine. The answer was yes, but only if I committed to one thing: going to bed on time.
Getting up earlier just to have a slower start doesn’t work if you’re exhausted. But when I prioritize rest, this kind of morning becomes possible. It’s something I actually look forward to.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Routine
1. I get a moment just for me
My kids usually sleep in, so I get this little pocket of quiet before the day begins. I’m not meditating exactly, but the calm stillness of reading and journaling feels equally centering. It gives me space to breathe before the world starts asking things of me.
2. I can sneak in habits that matter
This gentle structure allows me to include things I always say I want to do: hydrate, read more, journal consistently, write every day. All of it happens before I’ve checked an email or opened an app.
3. It reduces stress and decision fatigue
By front-loading my day with peaceful, nourishing actions, I reduce the chance that stress will derail them later. I’ve learned that if something matters, it needs to happen before the chaos starts. Even if the rest of the day gets busy or unpredictable, I’ve already poured into myself first.
Your Slow Morning Routine Might Look Different
Not everyone can carve out a full hour in the morning and that’s okay. A slow morning routine doesn’t have to mean sleeping in or having loads of time. The idea of a slow morning has more to do with how you start your day, not how long it takes.
Even 15–20 minutes of intentional quiet can change the tone of your whole day.
Try this:
Wake up gently—no blaring alarms if you can help it
Light stretching or a few deep breaths before getting out of bed
Read a few pages of something that inspires you
Journal one thought, gratitude, or to-do item
Drink water before you reach for caffeine
Final Thoughts
Creating a slow morning routine can help you tap into a rhythm that supports you, especially during times where your days feel overwhelming.
So, if you’ve ever wished your mornings felt less rushed, less reactive, or just a little more yours, try slowing down. You might be surprised how much better your whole day feels when it starts from a place of calm.